Remote Parent Participation in Intensive Care Unit Rounds

Abstract

Although most pediatric intensive care units invite parents to participate in daily rounds, many families face barriers preventing them from being physically present on rounds. Telehealth for remote parent participation on daily rounds offers one solution to this problem. However, barriers threaten the implementation and sustainability of such programs. Highly reliable, user-friendly telehealth technologies coupled with adequate human resources to address logistical challenges and clinical champions to affect culture change are key. Further research is needed to better quantify the impact of such programs on patient and parent outcomes and to convince hospital leadership to invest in telehealth solutions.

Keywords: PICU; Parent; Pediatrics; Telehealth; Videoconferencing.